Imprisonment sentences against 27 Lebanese attacked American interests

A Lebanese military court issued imprisonment sentences against 27 persons accused of taking part in a series of attacks that targeted the British and American places in various parts of Lebanon.

One of them was sentenced for life imprisonment in absentia and other two accused of planning the attacks for 20 years imprisonment, while others were sentenced for lesser periods.

A series of attacks and explosions targeted American restaurants, like McDonald and Pizza Hut, started by the end of 2002 and ended in April, 2003.

On the other hand, a Lebanese military court found three persons as not guilty, accused of planning to harm the American ambassador in Lebanon Vincent Battle.

Lebanon opposed the invasion of Iraq and the streets of Beirut witnessed demonstrations against the war, calling for boycotting the American goods.

Security measures were tightened around western embassies and the American interests since the beginning of the war against Iraq. The American embassy recommended its citizens in Lebanon to leave the country at that time.